Yale Club of Washington, D.C. Virtual Event Series

Co-Sponsored with the Cornell Club of Washington

Join Us for the Next Practical Career Conversation Series

Melissa Reitkopp is BACK for a two-part series!

Career Conversations: Nurture Your Network - Effectively manage your career in the digital age...with a human touch

Tuesday, November 10, 2026
12:00pm-1:00pm

Learn why and how to network, conduct informational interviews, and ask practical questions. Incorporate AI tools, a tracking system, and LinkedIn strategies to build reputation and reach.

Career Conversations: Read Between the Bots - Craft an AI-friendly resume and LI profile to get noticed!

Thursday, December 10

12:00pm-1:00pm

In this interactive session, you will learn how to build a strong two-page marketing resume and an engaging LinkedIn profile. Increase visibility and use AI to customize materials for each opportunity.

Meet Melissa 

Melissa is a talent acquisition pro, career coach, and community connector who has helped thousands of professionals grow their careers and build meaningful networks. She gets a thrill from connecting the right people to the right opportunities and giving them the tools to thrive
once they get there. 

A sector-agnostic recruiter and trusted advisor, Melissa brings 25+ years of experience designing searches, delivering workshops, and leading career strategy sessions that help professionals communicate their value and advance with purpose. She first honed her facilitation and coaching skills in Guatemala, creating interactive workshops to help Peace Corps Volunteers transition back into the U.S. job market. 

In March 2025, Melissa published MAD Skills: Make CRAZY Good Career Choices!, a  companion to her workshop and career series, featuring an updated section on integrating AI into the hiring process. Her career advice and reflections appear across platforms, including her monthly newsletter The Reitkopp Report, Next Avenue (PBS), and the Cornellian Alumni Magazine. 

An active volunteer and nonprofit leader, Melissa has served as an officer on the boards of Empowered Women International, where she co-led a merger with the Latino Economic Development Center, and Leveling the Playing Field, where she chaired the 10th Anniversary Committee that raised over $180K. A proud member of Leadership Greater Washington’s Class of 2019, she also served on the organization’s recruiting committee for five years.

Melissa recently relocated to Asheville, NC, and added grandparent to her list of accomplishments. A lifelong athlete, she hung up her cleats for a bike and pickleball, but she still plays like a coach: building teams, finding common ground, and celebrating every win.